As a school district with a reputation as the best place to teach, lead, and learn, there are many reasons to be thankful. Cobb custodians are one of those reasons. 

Behind every successful day of teaching and learning in Cobb Schools is a team of dedicated custodians who are often the first ones in the school building and the last ones to leave. These behind-the-scenes heroes create a clean, safe, and welcoming learning environment so teachers and students can focus on what matters most—education.

From classrooms, school lobbies, and front offices to cafeterias, media centers, gyms, and every bathroom in between, Cobb’s custodial team, which totals 643, is constantly on the move so schools are ready for Cobb’s 105,000+ students every day. 

Throughout the day, Cobb custodians address immediate safety concerns, assist with deliveries, and even lend a hand with outdoor garden care or directing morning traffic. They work evenings and weekends to support school activities. Some take on extra duties to keep their school campus beautiful, like starting recycling programs that win over the entire school. 

For Cobb students, their school’s custodian is not so much behind the scenes. The custodians greet them every day and chat with the students at lunch and in the hall. Some stop to read to the students and cheer them up when they feel down. Like their teachers, the school custodians care for the students. One such custodian is Pine Mountain Middle School’s head custodian, Mark Johnson, who has earned a reputation as his school’s hidden gem. 

Fair Oaks Elementary School head custodian Clarence Hayes frequently visits the media center to read to students. 

Because of the support they provide every day, about 20 Cobb custodians earned the title of their school’s Classified Employee of the Year in 2024. 

Some of the District’s most dedicated custodians have careers spanning over three decades in Cobb Schools. Their contributions don’t end when the final bell rings for the summer. When school lets out, the custodial team takes on the massive task of deep cleaning the entire school. They work around camps and summer programs to ensure the school is ready to welcome students and teachers back for a new academic year. 

This year, Governor Brian Kemp recognized the essential role that school custodians play in creating a foundation of success. He provided funds through Georgia’s FY 2025 state budget for a one-time $1,000 bonus, which will be distributed in December to all full-time and part-time custodians who work during the payroll period from November 28 to December 11, 2024. 

“Every school is led by invisible leaders who make school special every day. Custodians play a vital role in the success of every event and class and are a huge part of student learning. We don’t thank them often enough,” said Cobb Schools Board Member David Chastain. 

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to express gratitude for these “hidden gems” in Cobb Schools. Please take a moment to thank your school custodians for the work they do throughout the year.